Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
A great cat tree provides a healthy outlet for your cat’s natural instincts, minimizing destructive behaviors while maximizing your cat’s physical and psychological health.
The best cat trees, condos, and towers are sturdy pieces of furniture that provide environmental enrichment for your cat. They have excellent design that complements your home decor scheme and come at a price that fits your budget.
In this article, we’ll go deep into which qualities make a great tree and use that knowledge to identify the top 8 best trees, condos, towers, and cat shelves on the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Trees
We highly recommend looking at the comparison product table we have below where we’ve highlighted the features of each product.
Frisco 72-Inch Cat Tree
- Includes two hides, two platforms, and three perches
- All vertical supports are sisal-wrapped for scratching
- Lined with soft faux fleece materials
New Cat Condos Deluxe Kitty Pad
- Looks a bit like a real tree
- Comes almost fully assembled
- Very sturdy and durable
On2Pets Cat Furniture Canopy Shelves
- Perfect for limited space
- Attractive artificial leaves look like home decor
- Carpet pad is scratchable and cozy
Frisco 65-Inch XXL Heavy Duty Cat Tree
- Wide base for stability when used by multiple cats
- Multiple levels and sisal-wrapped surfaces
- Covered in faux fleece material that comes in two colors
Trixie Baza Senior Cat Tree
- Stepped ramps for easy access
- Features a lounging hammock for snoozing in the sun
- Covered in a long faux fur
Trixie Pet Products Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower
- Fold it away and store it when not needed
- Packs multiple surfaces and features into a small size
- Convenient for nomadic people
Trixie Pet Products Baza Cat Tree
- Cats love the hammock lounger
- A great value buy
- Very easy to assemble
EliteField 38-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
- Large, sturdy base for support
- Open platforms so big cats can stretch out
- Four sisal-wrapped posts for scratching
Top Picks Explained
Why Should You Trust Us?
Over the last two years, we’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what it takes to make a great cat tree.
We’ve researched the types of cat trees and cat condos available, read hundreds of customer reviews, and performed real-world tests on the top cat trees. We spent over 60 hours testing these cat trees, paying attention to key factors like thoroughness, quality of materials, and long-term reliability.
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Based on this extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve selected the following cat trees as the best you can buy.
The Best Cat Trees, Towers, and Condos on the Market Reviewed
Choosing the Best Cat Tree—Qualities of a Great Cat Tree, Tower, or Condo
The Best Cat Trees Are Tall
Imagine suddenly shrinking down to your cat’s height. After exploring the hidden world at ground level, wouldn’t you want a way to look down at your environment from above?
If your furry friend is afraid of unfamiliar people, loud noises, or other cats – or if they’re generally stressed out – a tall cat tree can help to get them off the floor and out of the fear zone. The more stress-induced behavioral problems your cat has, the taller their cat tree should be.
Watch your cat’s climbing behaviors to gauge their personal desire for height. One cat might hop to the top of the refrigerator, while another seldom jumps higher than your desk.
Use this natural behavior as a guide, but don’t let your cat’s current habits limit their future. Some cats are shy and inhibited and will hide under the bed until they’re given vertical territory.
The Best Cat Trees Are Constructed From Strong Wood or Wood Products
Ultimately, the materials used to make the cat tree aren’t as significant as the tree’s construction quality. That said, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the materials used to make cat trees.
Engineered Wood
There are several types of derivative wood products.
- Plywood is composed of thin layers of wood glued together. Because it’s very strong, plywood is an excellent cat tree building material.
- MDF or medium density fiberboard is a type of compressed wood made from wood flour and glue. It’s a high-grade composite that’s often stronger than natural wood.
- Particleboard is made from wood byproducts bound with synthetic resin or other binders, and it’s an economical, slightly weaker alternative to plywood or solid wood.
Solid Wood
Because they’re made from unpredictable, inconsistent natural materials, cat trees made from solid wood are typically more expensive than those made with engineered wood products.
Cat trees made from solid wood are often artisanal pieces that place an emphasis on design quality.
The Best Cat Trees Are Covered in Comfortable, Durable Materials
Your cat won’t only scratch the tree’s dedicated scratching posts. They’ll dig their claws into almost every surface of the tree. The tree’s covering materials should be strong and durable for years of clawing and fun.
Carpet
Carpeted cat trees have the greatest longevity and feel nice under your cat’s claws. From a practical standpoint, carpet-covered trees are your best choice.
Faux Fleece
They’re more aesthetically pleasing than carpet-covered cat trees, but fleece materials are less durable than carpet. Some people say their cats slip when trying to jump onto fleece trees.
Faux Fur
Like real fur, faux fur comes in multiple lengths and thicknesses. Longer faux fur gets dirty quickly and can be difficult to clean. Shorter, denser faux fur has the same benefits and drawbacks associated with faux fleece.
Also Read: How to Clean a Cat Tree In 6 Simple Steps
Other Materials
Some cat trees, especially those exploring a chic, stylish concept, may not have any soft covering at all. They may be made from laminated wood with patches of scratchable material. These are fun for some cats and uncomfortable for others.
Again, personal preference is the deciding factor here, so observe your cat’s behaviors to anticipate how they’ll respond to any given type of cat tree.
The Best Cat Trees Are Sturdy
You need a cat tree that can handle routine cat attacks. Most cats aren’t afraid to climb to the very top of a tree, but if they feel a wobble, they’ll be nervous. If the tree topples, they might never use it again—and for good reason.
Look for trees with substantial bases, heavy construction, and a reputation of stability.
The Best Cat Trees Have Features That Suit Your Cat’s Style
Some cat trees have cubby holes, multiple platforms, dangly toys, and numerous scratching posts. These features can be fun, but you have to know your cat and whether or not they’ll be into it.
Before you buy a tree, think about your cat’s personality and play style.
If you’ve spent time with your cat outdoors, think about their reaction to a real tree. Do they like to climb as high as possible, or are they afraid to touch bark? Are they all about scratching or are they more inclined to chase after blowing leaves?
Is your cat more of a sleeper than a climber? Choose a cat tree that features covered hideaways for napping or maybe even a hanging hammock. Look for a cat tree with cat toys like hanging balls as well, if that’s something your cat enjoys.
Give your cat as much play space and play options as their personality demands and your budget, floor space, and personal taste will allow. You might want to give your cat a rollicking good time with a monstrosity like this, but is it really worth the price and visual impact? You decide.
The Best Cat Trees Coordinate With Your Home Decor
Your cat doesn’t make any fashion demands—they want a place where they can freshen up their claws, stretch, get a little exercise, and pretend they’re lounging in a fever tree. These needs could be equally satisfied by a beige carpet jungle gym or a sleek piece of modern art.
When it comes to aesthetics, be selfish. It’s your house and your choice so shop as if the cat tree is a piece of furniture you’re adding to your home.
The Best Cat Trees Fit In Your Budget
Cat trees run the price spectrum, but it’s almost impossible to find a tree priced lower than $25 at retail. Those around the $25 mark are typically smaller trees with fewer features. Most cat trees fall within the $45-$200 range, and this is where you’ll see a lot of variety in size, construction quality, and design.
Most cat trees over $200 have some extraordinary characteristics to justify the price.
These include extra-large size, chic design, or exceptional workmanship. Some of them are zany novelty items, like this 82-lb Kitty Titanic Condo, which allows your cat to survive the sinking of a carpet-covered Titanic for just $1,999.
How To Make Your Own Cat Tree – DIY Cat Tree Ideas?
Not satisfied by the selection of trees on the market? Here are a few resources to help you complete your own DIY cat tree project.
Ikea Pet Furniture Hacks contributors have come up with a lot of cool ideas for making your own cat trees, condos, shelving, and other cat furniture.
How To Build A Custom Cat Tree?
This video tutorial will help cat owners like you construct a full-feature cat tree over the course of a weekend.
Related Articles:
- The 5 Best Cat Scratchers for Indoor Cats
- Making a Cat Tree Using Real Branches
- The Best Cat Trees, Towers, & Condos for Large Cats
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a cat tree should I get?
Generally speaking, the tree should be large enough for your feline friend to stretch out or climb it and any cubbies or hideaways should be large enough for your cat to comfortably curl up in. If your cat is a climber or if he’s young and active, a taller tree is the way to go. For older cats, stick with something smaller.
Is it okay to buy a used cat tree?
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative than buying a new cat tree, you might consider a used one. The trouble with this is that the cat tree will have another cat’s odor all over it which could stress your cat out – it may even trigger urine marking behavior. Cat trees can also harbor odors and materials from the previous home which might cause an adverse reaction in your cat or other pets.
Where should I put a cat tree?
A cat tree condo should provide your cat with ample place to play, rest, and view their territory. You should place it in a spacious room in a spot where your cat can see as much as possible. Corner locations are usually a good option because you won’t miss the floor space as much.
“Cat Tree King” ? I watch your videos often. I’m getting ready to take delivery of a Savanna in the next few weeks, therefore I was looking for a very sturdy cat tree, as these are on the larger side of cats. I realize that Cat Tree King items are expensive. ,However you named your video, “Top 5 Cat Trees we tried them all” . I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on tree very soon. I believed cat tree king to be the best, but I didn’t do as an extensive research as maybe you did. I was rather shocked that it didn’t even make your top 10. Other videos state this particular tree to be in a different league. As it is $400. Some less some more but the one I was looking at was this price. Please let me know if I missing something. Thank you in advance.
I do value your advice as I watch the channel regularly
As for #8 selection, Amazon makes the same identical product at a better price. My cats love it.
Thank you for sharing, Deborah!
I am also interested if you could review cat tree king cat trees. Most of these trees seem as if they are made for kittens not cats.
Hi Elena, we’ll consider it! Thank you.
How do i go about ordering a extra pouch for my cat tree UPCT52W ferndrea she is in there all the time thanks
Hi Vicki, is this the tree for which you’d like to order an extra pouch? I would recommend contacting the company directly if possible, as this is not the type of request that we can help you with. Wishing you all the best. – Mallory
I have 3 furbabies ranging in weight from 12-17lbs. As my patio faces a wooded area, the boys like watching the birds at the feeders, meaning, more than one cat will be on a perch at a time. I’m looking for a sturdy, multi-cat, cat tree that can tolerate the weight of 2 cats. My Amarakat has held up well for 5 years, however, since I’ve created a cat “super highway” along one wall, rambunctious play has resulted in the 2nd tier base to break that supports that perch. I know I can purchase replacement parts from the company. However, I have found that this is costly, and I’d rather put the money into a tree that meets the needs of my cats.
I appreciate any recommendations. No bells and whistles needed. I like Amarakat but I think some tree condos are not meant to hold more than 1 cat or play.
Hi. You had a little ad for a cat tree in the last few months. I thought I would remember it, but I don’t I think it was noy made by a big company. Any help?
Hi Kathleen, can you share some more details? Unfortunately, I’m not sure where this was posted or which one you’re referring to, but I’m sure I can figure it out if you give a couple more specifics. Thanks for commenting!
The problem with these cat trees especially Frisco and Yaheetech is the material they use, this so called plush faux fur, or faux fleece is pure garbage. I have had to return these because the house part is not solid it is collapsible faux fur and in only 3 weeks’ time the material is shredding and not from the cats. And the sad part is I like the 3 perch top and the scratch post, but the housing part is so aggravating that the material is just garbage too cheap for the prices they want.
Couldn’t find a link for top 10 trees, just the article on 8 from April 2023. I have a new just turned one-year-old feline (approx 7-8 pounds, 15″ “undstretched”) who stretches a lot and needs at least a tall scratching post. However, she is also a leaper and climber, and so am wondering if a cat tree would encourage her to climb up on bookcases — especially some in same room as the tree. . Would appreciate any comments or other product suggestions (don’t have a lot of width available). Thanx!
Hello, I’m looking for some recommendations for some very sturdy, separate cat wood wall steps. I’ve seen a few that come with individual steps to be drilled into a wall stud, making it very safe, and sturdy. I want separate steps so I can place them in my arrangement.
I’ve been searching for several weeks now. I have three adult cats. They’d love wide, stable steps that lead into my other cat shelf. Kind of like a cat walkway.
If you have any great picks, please let me know.
Hello Laurie, thanks for the message. Frankly, I haven’t looked into this very much and don’t have a very good sense of what is available or what may be the requirements of a good product in this category. There are some options available on Etsy, for one, and this product looks pretty good to me.
Hello Mallory, Thank you for your help! That link on Etsy was a great option.
I recently found this product on Amazon, which was all separate except for the tri level sisal steps. At this time, the manufacturer offers a $30 coupon off the price. At this moment, with the $30 discount, this set can be purchased for approx under $120 with tax included.
Perhaps some other viewers here are interested. I purchased it and it’s in my living room in a box. No carpeting is included.
Cat Wall Shelves, Cat Wall Furniture Set, Cat Shelves and Perches for Wall, Cat Climbing Shelf Playground Set, Cat Scratching Post with 3 Steps Wall Shelf for Indoor Wall Mounted Cat Condos House https://a.co/d/7Iqj8cq
Great! Thanks for sharing what worked for you. 🙂
I am looking for a cat tree 60+ “ tall with large 3 sided sleeping platform on top. The width should be 24-29” as my fur baby stretches out. All I see are very small sleeping areas. Help
Hi Judy, good question. The biggest top perches I’ve found are no more than 24″ wide, like on this Frisco bed with one large top platform. Alternatively, you might consider this one from Prestige Cat Trees, which has a 21″ wide top perch. Hope this helps!
I cannot even understand how any cat lover could recommend a cat tree covered in “faux fur.” Cats need carpeted cat trees for better climbing, scratching and padding. The fur gives no padding to the hard wood. Faux fur is attractive to owners & caregivers, but just short of useless for cats.